Printer Printhead Pressure Control via Motor Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in accurately controlling the pressure exerted by the printhead on the printing surface, particularly in varying pressure levels and maintaining stable positioning, which affects print quality and efficiency, especially in the absence of compressed air supplies.
Innovation Solution
A printer system featuring a motor coupled to the printhead, controlled by a controller that adjusts the current supplied to the motor windings to achieve precise torque control, allowing for two operating modes: torque-controlled for pressure regulation and position-controlled for positional accuracy, enabling flexible and efficient printhead movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an air cylinder is used to press the printhead into contact with the printing surface, then the printhead can be pressed into contact with the printing surface and substrate, but the pressure applied cannot be readily varied and compressed air supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic air cylinder system with a mechanical motor-driven system. The motor is coupled to the printhead through a mechanical coupling, and the controller controls the motor to vary the printhead position and applied pressure, eliminating the need for compressed air supply while enabling pressure variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables pressure variability by controlling the motor's position and force output. The controller adjusts the printhead's position relative to the printing surface and substrate, thereby varying the applied pressure dynamically, which was not possible with a fixed air cylinder system.
2Productivity
If the printhead is moved relative to the stationary substrate and ribbon, then print speed can be controlled, but accurate pressure control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors and adjusts the motor's operation to maintain accurate pressure control during printhead movement. The controller coordinates the motor's positional movement with pressure application, ensuring that pressure control accuracy is maintained even as the printhead moves relative to the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the motor can simultaneously control both the position and force of the printhead. The mechanical coupling allows the printhead to move relative to the substrate while the controller dynamically adjusts the applied pressure, enabling both speed control and pressure control accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for accurate control of printing pressure and printhead positioning, enhancing print quality and efficiency by ensuring appropriate pressure is applied during printing operations, even without compressed air, and enabling quick movement between printing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to the printhead and arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a printing surface
Implementation Method 2
The controller is arranged to control the magnitude of current supplied to windings of the motor so as to cause a predetermined pressure to be exerted by the printhead on the printing surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate, a first motor coupled to the printhead and arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a printing surface against which printing is carried out to thereby control the pressure exerted by the printhead on the printing surface, and a controller arranged to control the first motor. The controller is arranged to control the magnitude of current supplied to windings of the first motor so as to cause a predetermined pressure to be exerted by the printhead on the printing surface.